The genome
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can describe what the genome is, its role and where it is stored in cells.
Key learning points
- Genetic material is stored in the nucleus of plant and animal cells, and in the cytoplasm of bacterial cells.
- Genetic material of organisms is made of a chemical substance called DNA, which is made up of smaller chemical units.
- The DNA in every cell is wound up into tightly-packed structures called chromosomes.
- Sections of chromosomes are called genes; short sections of DNA which carry instructions for features and processes.
- All the DNA in a cell is called the genome, the similarity of a genome indicates how similar individuals or species are.
Keywords
Nucleus - A structure in animal, plant and fungi cells that stores the genetic material (DNA).
DNA - A large chemical molecule made of smaller chemical groups, it carries the genetic code of all living organisms.
Chromosome - Structures made of tightly packaged DNA.
Gene - A short section of DNA that carries the genetic code to provide instructions for an inherited feature or process.
Genome - All of the DNA of an organism that codes for and controls the inherited features and processes.
Common misconception
That all DNA codes for features rather than processes that are shared by all living organisms; also that animals are the only living organism that have DNA.
Make the role of DNA in features and processes explicit, using non-animal examples. Re-iterate the common processes of living organisms, and therefore why there are similarities in the genome.
Teacher tip
Keep going back to the idea that all living organisms share common processes, the instructions for these are stored in the genetic code in the DNA.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.All living organisms are made up of .
Q2.In which cell organelle is genetic material (DNA) stored in plant and animal cells?
Q3.Where is bacterial DNA stored?
Q4.Which of the following is NOT a life process?
Q5.True or false? Genetic information provides the instructions for life processes.
Q6.What does DNA stand for?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Genetic material is stored in the of plant and animal cells.
Q2.Match the word to its meaning.
a sub-cellular structure that stores DNA
a large chemical molecule made of smaller chemical groups
structures made of tightly packaged DNA
a short section of DNA
all of the DNA of an organism
Q3.What is this structure called?
Q4.Put these in size order, starting with the smallest.
Q5.True or false? The more similar the species, the more similar their genomes.
Q6.Who is incorrect?
To help you plan your 10 biology lesson on: The genome, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 biology lesson on: The genome, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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